Hemianthus Micranthemoides (Hemianthus micranthemoides) Care Guide
A delicate small-leaved stem plant that can be used as either a midground bush or a carpeting plant when kept trimmed low.
Overview
Hemianthus micranthemoides is an aquatic plant in the family Linderniaceae. A delicate small-leaved stem plant that can be used as either a midground bush or a carpeting plant when kept trimmed low. Its tiny bright-green leaves create a fine texture that contrasts beautifully with broader-leaved species.
Taxonomy
- Family: Linderniaceae
- Genus: Hemianthus
- Scientific name: Hemianthus micranthemoides
- Other names: Baby Tears, Pearl Grass
Habitat
Originally described from freshwater estuaries of the U.S. mid-Atlantic states (Virginia to New York), where the wild taxon Micranthemum micranthemoides is listed as possibly extinct. Plants traded in the aquarium hobby under this name are most often the closely related Micranthemum glomeratum.
Growth requirements
- Light: medium (≈50-80 PAR at substrate)
- CO2: pressurised CO2 recommended
- Temperature: 20-28 °C
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 3-10 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil or fertilised gravel
- Nutrient demand: medium
- Growth rate: medium
- Difficulty: intermediate
Placement
- Recommended placement: midground
- Maximum height: 15 cm
- Trim every: 10 days
Propagation
In cultivation the plant is propagated by stem cuttings (replant the upper portion after trimming).